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The Ultimate Fudgy and Zesty Lemon Brownies with Sweet Tangy Glaze

Close-up of fudgy Lemon Brownies squares with a bright yellow center, drizzled with white icing and lemon zest.
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Make these bright, flavorful lemon brownies that balance sweetness with a zesty citrus punch. This recipe yields soft, chewy bars topped with a simple, tangy lemon glaze, perfect for spring or summer baking.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Zest of 2 large lemons
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup lemon pudding mix (dry, instant)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dry lemon pudding mix.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Stir in the lemon zest and 1/4 cup of lemon juice until incorporated.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
  9. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  10. Prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Add more powdered sugar or juice, one teaspoon at a time, to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
  11. Once the brownies are cool, drizzle the tangy lemon glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • For extra fudgy lemon brownies, slightly reduce the baking time, checking at 22 minutes.
  • If you do not have lemon pudding mix, substitute with 1/4 cup extra flour and 1 teaspoon lemon extract for flavor.
  • These citrus bars keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/lemon-brownies-fudgy-zesty-citrus-bars/